The Effect of Sheep Wool Fertilizer on Some Biochemical Properties of a Clay Loam Soil

Abstract

Soil is an essential element in sustainable agriculture. Improving soil properties and increasing soil fertility can be achieved by increasing the organic matter content of soils. Organic fertilizers are important in eliminating the negativity of the insufficiency of this component of soil. For this purpose, the study was carried out to determine the effect of manure made from sheep wool on some biochemical properties of soil with clay loam texture. Sheep wool manure (SWM) was added to the soil at rates of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 t da−1. Pepper was grown and some biochemical analyses were done after the harvest. According to the results of the research, pH, salinity, organic matter content, potassium (K), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and boron (B) concentrations of the soils increased. The contents of other elements [phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu)] did not change in the study. In addition, the effects of sheep wool manure applied in increasing doses on some biological properties of the soil [urease (UEA), dehydrogenase (DEA), acid (ACPEA) and alkaline phosphatase (ALPEA), catalase (CEA) and arylsulfatase enzyme activity (ARSEA), basal soil respiration (BSR)] were statistically significant (p < .01). As the dose of sheep wool manure increases, the aeration of the soil and the water-holding capacity increase.